Page 89

By the time they’d made it to the third vendor, Aella’s head felt like it was spinning so quickly that it might fly off. She was all for marrying Cassius. In fact, she’d gone from being completely against to nearly bursting with excitement. But she had to admit that planning a wedding, a last-minute wedding at that, was way more intense than she had anticipated it to be, even with her mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law’s help.

“I know, I know,” Aella sighed. “This is all just … a lot. There are so many decisions to make and not enough time.”

“I know the feeling,” Jules tittered, digging her fork into her salad. “My marriage to Armond came in what felt like the blink of an eye. One minute I was living a carefree life, and the next, I was engaged to the future head of the family business.”

Crossing her legs at the ankle, Aella licked her lips. “If I’m not being too nosy, how did you two end up together?”

As they were in an isolated section of the restaurant, Aella wasn’t worried about being overheard, but still took pains to keep our conversation discreet.

“I was a means to an end, like most women in our world,” she shrugged. “And life with Armond, even if it wasn’t one I’d chosen for myself, was ten steps up from the life I’d been living. So there’s that. I wouldn’t say it was a match made in heaven, but it’s had its perks, and it’s been fairly peaceful. At least it was before all this Federal government mess,” she frowned.

“I can’t wait until it’s over,” Victoria shook her head. “Severo is always on edge lately. With Eric dying and the raid, it’s taking me back to days that I’d rather not remember.”

“Same with Armond,” Jules shrugged. “He’s so paranoid that he doesn’t even frequent his other women as he normally does. I’m tired of him walking around corners of the house and scaring the hell out of me.”

Although she knew a bit about Jules and Armond’s background, it still shocked her to hear it discussed so casually. Something that must have shown on her face because Jules chuckled. “I’ve been aware of who I married for a long time, Aella. I’ve made my peace with that.”

“Are all men in this lifestyle unfaithful?”

“I think that’s a question that could be asked about men in general,” Victoria replied gently. “Some are, some aren’t, the same as men outside of this lifestyle. It depends on the circumstances and the partner.”

“Also, Armond has never hidden who he is,” Jules added. “This was my choice. Kind of, my obligation was to stay married to him until we produced a legitimate son, so I was free to leave once Cassius was born. Remaining where I was comfortable was my decision, and I don’t regret it. But this is my marriage. Not yours. And Cassius is nothing like his father.”

“I think I’m in love with him,” she blurted. “And I’m scared about what that means. Especially if he doesn’t love me back. I can’t allow myself to get lost in a man who doesn’t share the same feelings for me.”

Aella wasn’t sure why she was confessing all of this. But with her wedding days away, her fears about Cassius’ feelings for her only continued to increase.

“Oh, honey,” Victoria reached over to place her hand on Aella’s. “I don’t think you have to worry about it. It’s very clear that that man loves you.”

“He’s protective,” Aella admitted. “But that could also just be his ego. It’s almost as big as his head,” she quickly turned to Jules. “No offense.”

“None taken,” she tittered. “I’m well aware of my son’s arrogance. But as his mother, I have to agree with yours. My boy loves you. Even if he hasn’t verbalized it yet.”

“I—” Jules and Aella’s phones rang simultaneously, pausing their conversation.

“Hello?” Aella answered, noticing that it was her father.

“Baby, where are you?”

“Eating with Mom and Jules. What’s wrong?”

“I need you to get to the house as soon as you can. Cassius was just arrested.”

Taking a deep breath, Aella swallowed the fear threatening to suffocate her. She’d known this day was coming, and Cassius had given her explicit instructions about what to do when it did.

“We already knew that was coming,” she said calmly. “I need to go home first, then to the precinct.”

“Aella—”

“Daddy,” she said firmly, interrupting him. “I can handle it. I’ll keep you updated, okay? I love you.”

Severo paused, then replied. “I love you too.”

Aella ended the call and turned her eyes to Jules. “That was Armond calling. I already know,” she said coolly. “Can you handle this?”

There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation before Jules answered. “Yes. I’ll let you know as soon as I have an update.”

“Take care of my son, Elle,” Jules said as Aella climbed to her feet and gathered her belongings.